Assad’s cheap fame
This week Syrian PM announced that the latest Israeli-Lebanese war is a great new opportunity for peace in the Middle East. In this case, he talked about peace between Israel and Syria, and urged Israel to return the Golan Heights back to his state. At the same time, Assad plays tough, warning Israel against attacking:
“If Israel goes out on an adventure and attacks Syria, it will begin paying a very high price.”
Assad also said that the chance for peace between Israel and Syria is low.
It is quite obvious here that Assad started a propaganda machine for his own people and the supporters of Syria, trying to set Syria’s feet on a solid ground, especially after being accused so many times of supporting Hezbollah in its war against Israel - which brought only death and destruction to the Lebanese people. He probably understands that Syrian army is no match for the Israeli one. His goal at the moment is to show himself as a strong leader, which might help him re-gain wide support in Lebanon, which he clearly wants.
However, Assad’s words are what they are - just words. As Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz said: “If Assad’s intentions are sincere, he can prove it by stopping arms transfer to Hizbullah”, which is a right way to go. Assad’s intention is not peaceful, as there are several Syrian “projects” aimed against Israel - from arming Hezbollah to creating its own Hezbollah-type guerilla force aimed at attacking Israel same way Hezbollah does to liberate the Golan Heights (not to mention supporting Hamas’ Khaled Mashaal, blamed by Israeli officials as being responsible for the life of Israeli hostage Gilad Shalit). Apparently, Syria learned “”fighting” is more effective than peace negotiations with regard to gaining territory”.
Israeli political command not only reacted with skepticism to Assad’s statements - most of them did not react at all. DM Peretz declared Assad should do they job, not talk. Olmert dismissed Assad’s statements as a pressure-reliever. The Israeli people - or at least most of them - do not believe a word Syrian President says. And why would they? Syria is praising and actively supporting Lebanon’s Hezbollah, being basically a connection point between Iran and Lebanon. Syria is also harboring and supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas and Islamic Jihad. This is definitely not a way for peace.
The problem is that even this way Assad is gaining some support in Israel - even though it’s from the extreme left and Arab population. A Knesset Member Mohammad Barakeh immediately accused Olmert of “trying to close every window of opportunity for negotiations leading to peace in the area”, while United Arab List MK Ahmed Tibi slammed Olmert for his “rejection”. Two MK’s even visited Syria - which is regarded by Israel as an enemy state - and swore Assad is thirsty for peace. Syria’s agents inside Israel still have a lot of work on their hands.
The situation is not likely to improve. Even if we would on some level assume Assad does actually want peace - he will never be able to go for it, being under pressure from Iran, which still wages its covert war to wipe Israel off the map, where Hezbollah’s its most powerful card at the moment, while Assad is only a puppet. Assad facing many accusations - from the world, for supporting Hezbollah and from Lebanese people, well - for supporting Hezbollah and - as many believe - assassinating Prime Minister Rafik Hariri - making Assad’s chair quite uncomfortable.
Yet, nothing will stop him from gaining some more cheap fame among his people. The question is if Assad understands that “cheap” many times used as “not particularly good”, as his fame might very soon fade away to be replaced by shame, as soon as he will actually have to take tough decisions.
This and other articles at TacticalSniper’s Blog.